IL state budget "Hard and Difficult" - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

IL state budget "Hard and Difficult"

By: CBS4 News, newsroom@cbs4qc.com

(AP) _ Gov. Pat Quinn said the state budget he'll present this week will be "hard and difficult'' because of Illinois' massive pension debt.

The Democrat told reporters Monday he has to lay out the facts for the lawmakers to see the strain Illinois' nearly $100 billion in unfunded liability is going to affect other areas.  He aid that includes education.  Quinn gives his budget address Wednesday. 

His administration has already projected a cut of about $400 million to education.  Quinn said the agreement reached with the state's largest union last week is a good step forward.  After 15 months at the bargaining table, Quinn's administration and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees reached an agreement where workers will pay more of their health costs.